By Kayla Blackwell, Alayna Calabro, Meghan Mertyris, and Elizabeth O'Neill, NLIHC
On July 24, President Trump signed an executive order, “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” that—if implemented—will harm unhoused people and worsen our homelessness crisis. NLIHC strongly condemns the executive order, which punishes people for being homeless and does nothing to address the most basic need of people experiencing homelessness—a safe, stable home. The order eliminates federal funding for homelessness solutions that work, like Housing First, and directs federal grants to cities and states that enforce harmful, ineffective policies.
The order pressures states and localities to fine and arrest people living outside who have nowhere else to go and to force people who are homeless or have mental health conditions, use substances, or have disabilities, into long-term institutional settings. Advocates should urge their policymakers to reject the cruel policies in the order and instead scale up proven solutions to homelessness, starting with greater investments in affordable, accessible housing and supportive services.